ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan Board of Regents today will consider a recommended 6.5 percent increase in undergraduate tuition for students at University of Michigan-Flint.

UM-Flint’s proposed budget for 2009-2010 also includes a recommended 4.9 percent increase in graduate tuition and an 8.5 percent increase in institutional financial aid.

“The University of Michigan-Flint is committed to a culture of excellence, and this modest tuition increase is necessary to maintain our exceptionally high standards,” said Chancellor Ruth J. Person. “During these challenging times, we know that accessibility to education is important to the people of the region we serve, and that is why we are recommending as low an increase as possible while preserving our academic quality.”

A typical in-state, full-time undergraduate student with 12 credit hours would pay an average of $3,954 in tuition and fees per semester in the coming year if the increase is approved. The cost of tuition and fees for graduate students varies from program to program.

Since 1987, funding from the state of Michigan has steadily declined from a high of 67 percent to approximately 26 percent. Despite continuing cost-cutting efforts, the university is preparing for significant increases in operational expenses during the coming year. Fixed costs that will affect the university include:

• Health insurance to increase by 10 percent.
• Utilities will increase by 5 percent.
• Dental insurance to increase by 5 percent.

The university continues to implement further spending reductions by investing in environmental technology for campus facilities, reducing travel and reviewing the need to fill vacant positions.

“The university continues to operate under enormous budget constraints,” Person said. “In spite of those challenges, the university community has risen to the challenge, offering a superior educational experience for our students and engaging with our surrounding community.”